Team Preview: Center Grove Part 1

The Center Grove Trojans enter the 2021 season, as the hot favorite to win a state championship this year. They certainly can boast of one of the most stacked rosters in the state. The Trojans have 12 players that are in the Prep Redzone Indiana database, most of whom are ranked at, or near, the top of the position, and overall, rankings. Over the next two days, we will take a look at the outstanding prospects that will make Center Grove a fun team to watch this year. Today, we start out with six elite student-athletes, who will look to lead the Trojans back to Lucas Oil Stadium this November. [player_tooltip player_id="98022" first="Brandon" last="Wheat"], 5’10, 165 pounds, Running Back, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="98022" first="Brandon" last="Wheat"] is the 10th-ranked running back in the Class of 2022, and the mind-boggling numbers that he posted in 2019 justify his place. Wheat had an incredible yards per carry average of over nine yards. Wheat is the kind of running back that can keep the offense on schedule, and keep the chains moving. On top of that, Wheat can wear-down the defense, opening up more for the offense as the game progresses. Wheat is also dangerous as a kickoff returner. In 2019, Wheat racked up 155 yards on kickoff returns. [player_tooltip player_id="98056" first="Shane" last="Bennett"], 6’4, 225 pounds, Linebacker, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="98056" first="Shane" last="Bennett"] is a disciplined linebacker, who is integral to the success of the Center Grove defense. Bennett enters this season, ranked sixth amongst linebackers in the senior class. He is such a smart linebacker, who plays the game with a physical edge. He is an outstanding tackler. Bennett does a great job of getting in the backfield. A season ago, Bennett tallied 3.5 tackles for loss. He can be very good as a blitzer. [player_tooltip player_id="98056" first="Shane" last="Bennett"] is the type of linebacker that can cover so much ground. [player_tooltip player_id="98024" first="Carl" last="Biddings"], 6’2, 285 pounds, Defensive Lineman, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="98024" first="Carl" last="Biddings"] has the potential to be one of the most dominant interior defensive lineman in Indiana this year. Biddings gets off the ball very quickly, and he goes right to work. Biddings uses his hands very well. He does well to cut down the hands of the offensive lineman. Biddings is a very strong and powerful prospect. He is somebody that teams will have to consider double-teaming, and even that may prove to not be enough. Biddings takes up space in the middle of the line, making inside run plays next to impossible. [player_tooltip player_id="39045" first="Sam" last="Buras"], 6’8, 325 pounds, Offensive Lineman, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="39045" first="Sam" last="Buras"], the number eight offensive lineman in the Class of 2022, is a physically dominant offensive lineman for the Trojans. Buras is an imposing figure, who is difficult for any defensive lineman to beat one-on-one. He plays with excellent hand placement. Buras does well to keep his hands inside. As a result, he can still control his opponent, while not being in a vulnerable position for committing costly holding penalties. Buras demonstrates good leverage, and he plays with a great base. Buras has great power and drive in each of his blocks, and he will be crucial for the ground attack at Center Grove this season. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"], 6’5, 265 pounds, Defensive Lineman, Senior Center Grove figures to be dominant in the trenches this fall, and with the top-ranked defensive lineman in the Class of 2022 in [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"], their defensive front may turn out to be impenetrable. At 6’5, Curry has tremendous size and length. Curry can initiate the contact, and immediately put the blocker at a serious disadvantage. Curry is a backfield menace for all four quarters. He is a game-wrecker that puts pressure on the quarterback for 48 minutes. Curry posted eight sacks in 2020. But [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] is not just a tremendous pass rusher, he is also a disruptive force as a run defender. Curry racked up an astounding 21.5 tackles-for-loss last campaign. [player_tooltip player_id="98074" first="Mitchell" last="Evans"], 5’10, 180 pounds, Defensive Back, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="98074" first="Mitchell" last="Evans"] is a ball-hawking safety, who is a nightmare for a quarterback. Evans possesses remarkable ball skills. He knows how to drive on the football, and make the play. Evans regularly comes up with pass break ups and interceptions. Evans has terrific speed, allowing him to take more chances in coverage. He also has great closing speed, which is very helpful when trying to make the tackle. Evans excels on special teams. He is a high-level returner, capable of setting the offense up in superb field position on every occasion.